Kevin Rowan column
Oct 24 2005 By Kevin Rowan, The Journal
According to the Office for National Statistics, the UK population will top 60 million by the end of the year, a figure boosted by workers from the new member states of the European Union.
Migrant workers make a significant contribution towards the UK economy, while at the same time making few demands on welfare support or public services. They help to fill gaps in the labour market, solving staff shortages and plugging skills deficits.
There are a number of major push-and-pull factors shaping the current pattern of migration.
During a period of sustainable economic growth and low unemployment, pull factors, such as unfilled vacancies and skill shortages in key sectors of the UK economy, are strengthening employer demand in this country for labour. Until recently, the majority of migrant workers settled in London and the South-East. However, there is growing evidence that other regions, such as the North-East, are attracting workers from abroad. In most cases, the majority of employers treat migrant workers with decency and respect. For example, the bus operator, Arriva North-East, has sought to overcome limited labour supply by employing drivers from Poland.
The company has devised an effective framework for recruiting, relocating and resettling staff from overseas.
Arriva, and firms like it, are positive examples of best practice.
However, unscrupulous outfits are also operating, many acting as agencies that employ the sort of practices, such as confiscating passports and withholding wages, that would match internationally agreed definitions of forced labour.
Unions and the TUC are working hard to expose rogue operators and safeguard the rights of migrant workers.
The key to ending exploitation is to ensure that workers understand their rights. The Government can also play a role by strengthening the law in this area.
Last week, the Northern TUC and partners published two regional guides for migrant workers.
The first is aimed at Polish workers in the construction industry.
The second has been drawn up for Chinese workers. Both guides, which outline existing employment rights, also contain a crucial message: that membership of a trade union offers an individual the most effective means of avoiding exploitation at work, and of securing fair employment terms and conditions.
Kevin Rowan is regional secretary of the northern TUC.
